Deputy chief steps up to interim Anaheim police post

ANAHEIM – Raul Quezada, second in command of Anaheim Police Department, will become the city's interim police chief May 17, when John Welter retires, city officials announced late Wednesday.

Quezada, 43, worked three years with the Los Angeles Police Department before transferring in 1996 to Anaheim, where he rose through the ranks to become deputy chief in August. He could not be reached for comment.

"Having known Raul for the past few years, I have witnessed his genuine concern for the Anaheim community," Anaheim City Manager Bob Wingenroth said in a written statement announcing his appointment of Quezada.

Wingenroth, who is resigning in June, has not disclosed how he plans to search for a permanent chief to oversee the Police Department's 350 sworn officers. The selection will require final approval from the City Council.

City records show that Quezada earns $217,894 annually as Anaheim's deputy police chief, but officials said it was unclear whether he will receive a pay raise during his tenure as temporary chief.

Welter, 64, announced his retirement April 1 after nine years at the helm of Anaheim's police force. His final year was marked with the challenge of dealing with frustrated residents in the wake of several officer-involved shootings last summer that were followed by days of unrest.

"The department will continue to do a great job because of the leadership of Deputy Chief Quezada," Welter said in a written statement. "Under Raul's leadership, I am confident the men and women of the Anaheim Police Department will continue to employ the tenets of community-oriented policing and problem solving to ensure the department remains a leader in this profession."

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